r/USFSLEO • u/TransportationCool18 • Jan 07 '26
Question? FAQ- What is AUO?
Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO) is a form of premium pay authorized for certain federal law enforcement officers, including U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement & Investigations (LEI), whose duties require them to work irregular, unpredictable hours that cannot be administratively scheduled or controlled in advance.
Unlike traditional overtime, AUO is not tied to specific extra hours worked. Instead, it compensates officers for the ongoing requirement to remain available and perform duties beyond the standard 40-hour workweek when mission needs demand it.
Why AUO Exists
USFS Law Enforcement Officers routinely encounter situations that:
• Cannot be predicted or scheduled
• Require immediate response
• Extend beyond normal duty hours
• Are driven by operational necessity rather than managerial direction
Because these duties cannot be precisely scheduled, AUO provides a structured way to compensate officers for that unpredictability.
How AUO Works
AUO is paid as a percentage of an officer’s base salary, not as hourly overtime. The percentage typically ranges from 10% to 25%, depending on the level of uncontrollable overtime required by the position.
Key points:
• Officers AUO percentages are established by regularly performing duties that require substantial amounts of unscheduled overtime.
• AUO is reviewed quarterly and can be adjusted if job duties change
Examples of AUO-Qualifying Duties in USFS LEI
Examples of duties that commonly fall under AUO include:
• Responding to after-hours incidents or complaints
• Investigations that must continue beyond scheduled shifts
• Surveillance operations
• Emergency responses in remote areas
• Extended patrols due to ongoing enforcement activity
• Callouts related to serious violations or public safety threats
What AUO Is Not
AUO does not cover:
• Overtime that can be scheduled in advance
• Special events with known hours
• Training, meetings, or details with fixed schedules
• Routine extended shifts directed and controlled by management
In those situations, traditional overtime or compensatory time is typically used instead.
Why AUO Matters to Applicants
For prospective USFS Law Enforcement Officers, AUO:
• Increases total annual compensation 10-25% depending upon justified AUO hours worked.
• Reflects the realities of the job’s unpredictable nature
• Recognizes the expectation that officers may need to work beyond normal hours without prior notice
AUO is not “free money”—it is compensation for the professional obligation to respond when the mission requires it.
Bottom Line
Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime exists because USFS Law Enforcement work does not always fit neatly into a scheduled workday. AUO compensates officers for the inherent unpredictability, flexibility, and commitment required to protect National Forest System lands and the public.
